The Arts in the Suburbs program assists local councils and arts organisations in suburban Melbourne to build arts and cultural infrastructure that will:
- Deliver high quality arts and cultural programs for the local community
- Increase access to the arts, by providing new opportunities close to where people live
- Encourage local engagement and participation in the arts and nurture local talent.
Eligibility
Applications are accepted from:
- Local Government Authorities
- Not-for-profit arts organisations
where the property on which the project is to be undertaken is publicly owned.
There is an expectation that the facility will remain in public ownership, with a public arts program, after the works are completed.
Exceptions can be made if the applicant is a public body that has a long-term secure lease of a privately owned building and the project relates only to modifications, or specialist fit-out of the building, that would not normally be the responsibility of the landlord.
Closing Dates
Applications can be accepted at any time.
Funds Available
The total funding available through this program is $10 million over a four year period ending in June 2010.
Intending applicants are encouraged to discuss their projects and the level of funds required with program staff before lodging an application.
Arts Victoria will not support the full cost of the project. Applicants, especially local councils, are expected to make a significant financial contribution to the project.
Applicants should discuss their project with program staff prior to submitting an application. Arts organisations are also strongly encouraged to discuss their project with their local council before contacting Arts Victoria.
To apply for funding you must complete the Arts in the Suburbs application form. Download the application form as a:
There are five main parts to the application:
- Project Proposal - what and where is the proposed project.
- Financial - you must provide realistic cost estimates for the project, and a budget that includes other funding sources.
- Project Details - further details about the status of the land, planning permits and insurance, how the project will be managed, including personnel responsible for design development and procurement, and future responsibilty for delivering the arts program once the facility is complete.
- Assessment Critera - how does the project meet the assessment criteria.
- Background Information - describe the current facility and its limitations, outline the current arts program and how this will improve should the project be approved.
- Attachments - provide support material for your application, this may include: building or architectural concept plans, building cost estimates provided by a qualified quantity surveyor, builders quotations, program brochures or marketing material for your arts activities, details about the staff who will manage the facility, the most recent annual financial statement for your arts program, your business plan and projected project timeline.
Applications are competitively assessed and prioritised according to the following criteria:
- The soundness of the total project budget, both in terms of value for money and the capacity of the applicant organisation to finance a share of the project.
- The capacity of the proposed facility to add value to Victoria's network of arts and cultural facilities, particularly whether it will meet a specific local need or fill a perceived 'gap' in the network.
- The ability of the project to contribute to the socio-economic strength of its local area and the wider region.
- The design quality of the architecture, landscape and built environment.
- How well the technical aspects of the project match current industry best practice benchmarks.
- A business plan for the proposed facility that demonstrates its long term viability and commitment to a quality arts program.
- The commitment and capacity of the applicant organisation to financially support the facility's operations including the employment of appropriate staff.
Applications are assessed by Arts Victoria and recommendations for funding are submitted for approval by the Minister for the Arts.
As a recipient of Arts Victoria funding, you are required to:
- Advise Arts Victoria of any changes to your proposed project
- Publicly acknowledge the support of the Victorian Government using specific logos and text
- Acquit your grant by completing a written report on the outcomes of your funded project.
Major projects will generally be required to include Arts Victoria appointees on a project control group.
Logos and Text Acknowledgement
Logos
The Arts Victoria logo device must be included on all promotional materials produced by the grant recipient in relation to the funded activity.
These may include (but are not restricted to):
- Posters, fliers and brochures
- Advertisements
- Invitations
- Information and education kits
- Signage
- Programs and catalogues
- Websites.
The size and position of the logo should be commensurate with the level of funding provided by the Victorian Government through Arts Victoria in relation to other supporters.
The Arts Victoria logo device is available in a variety of formats, please take note of the guidelines for its use.
Text Acknowledgement
The following text/verbal acknowledgement of Victorian Government support should be used in any speeches, media releases, interviews and other circumstances where a logo may not be possible:
[This project is] supported by the Victorian Government through Arts Victoria
Acquittal Reports
When the funded project is completed, you must provide Arts Victoria with an acquittal report within 90 days.
The report should provide full financial details about the project and account for all expenditure, including the grant funds. You should also provide a non-financial report that outlines how the project has improved or added to the facilities and arts program that you present.
Acquittal of grants is an important part of the program and is required for audit and program evaluation purposes. Failure to satisfactorily acquit funding could also make you ineligible for future Arts Victoria funding and may result in action to recover the grant.
For advice on the information needed for the acquittal, please contact the program manager.
For further information about the program, or to discuss your proposed project, please contact:
Ian Rogers
T: 8683 3143
ian.rogers@dpc.vic.gov.au